GARY Rowett will intensify his search for a striker this week after Burton Albion were shot down 4-2 at home by Fleetwood on Saturday.

The Brewers boss will try to sign another forward before Friday’s transfer deadline to bolster his squad for the League Two run-in.

“I think the search has to step up (this week),” he said. “I think we were always going to step it up now anyway.

“I tried to get a striker in because we didn’t have a striker on the bench today.

“As it was, I don’t think that was the issue, or the reason we lost the game.

“But certainly we’ll up that search over the next week.”

Albion’s two goals on Saturday came courtesy of Fleetwood own goals, but they conceded four to surrender their 10-match unbeaten run in the league.

Defeat in a game delayed by an hour due to a heavy thunderstorm dropped the Brewers down to fifth in the table.

It also ended their fine run against Fleetwood following three wins and a draw in their last four meetings.

“I think that was by far the best Fleetwood have played against us this season and they made it very difficult for us,” said Rowett.

“First half I was a little bit disappointed and I thought we didn’t get onto the ball enough.

“Then we conceded poor goals at poor times and we went 1-0 down and then got it back to 1-1.

“I have to be honest, there was a clear foul on the second goal with a push in Sharpsey’s (Ian Sharps) back. I’m very disappointed in that decision - it was an obvious one to miss.

“It gave us another mountain to climb but we got it back to 2-2 and had one or two chances I felt we should’ve made a bit more of - and we had all the pressure at that point and they were looking to hit us on the counter.

“Again, the third was a poor goal to concede. I think Zander (Diamond) slipped over and it left us a man short in the box and it fell to Jon Parkin.”

The game very nearly did not go ahead following the downpour around 40 minutes from kick-off.

Groundstaff at the Pirelli Stadium soaked up gallons of water which was lying on the pitch - but after the defeat Rowett could be forgiven for wishing the game had been called off.

“We’ve had injuries and illnesses and I wouldn’t have been overly disappointed if the game had been called off,” he said.

“But we were keen to try to get it on.

“I just hope we haven’t caused too much damage to the pitch and will get it back (in good condition).

“It went ahead, we got ourselves back in it at 2-2 and I’m disappointed from that point we didn’t go on and win the game.

“Fair play to Fleetwood, they’ve worked very, very hard to get that result.

“But you have to say, we’ve played them that many times, at some point they’re going to get one.

“I don’t think the pitch helped. If you’d looked at the game at 2pm you’d have called it off, simple as that.

“The fact we then had to wait an hour didn’t help either team and I don’t think it’s helped the pitch.